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Red Orchids

You’d never guess that some of the best Chinese food in Charleston is tucked in a nondescript West Ashley strip mall. Don’t judge a book by its cover. Inside you’ll find a sophisticated, minimalist aesthetic, where 1920s Singapore prints line the walls, and red paper lanterns cast a warm glow. Husband-and-wife owners Tony and Kelly Chu have been tantalizing our palates for more than a decade. Diners make the pilgrimage to feast on sizzling chicken and shiitakes cupped in cool lettuce wraps, braised duck, finely spiced lamb chops, honey glazed walnut shrimp, spicy Korean steak, and Red Orchids’ succulent and crispy signature red snapper. Be sure to save room for Kelly’s housemade, seasonal ice creams. With flavors like green tea, honey bourbon, lychee berry, black sesame, ginger, lavender, or coffee with bacon, all available as shots, Red Orchids is definitely worth the trek. —Allston McCrady (Dish, Summer 2018)